Carowinds’ Intimidator roller coaster is now Thunder Striker, Kings Dominion to follow
Cedar Fair has removed Dale Earnhardt theming from its Intimidator roller coasters, now known as Thunder Striker at Carowinds and a to-be-determined new name at Kings Dominion.
Previously known as Intimidator at Carowinds in Charlotte, N.C. and Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion in Doswell, Va., both versions of the coaster opened in 2010. Carowinds version tops out at 232 feet and reaches speeds of up to 80 mph, while Kings Dominion’s stats are 305 feet and 90 mph.
Photos by Blake Taylor
Both roller coasters were formerly (and lightly) themed to the late race car driver Dale Earnhardt. Design elements, like checkered-flag pavement and racing-related souvenirs in the post-ride gift shop, supported this theme. Onboard the coaster itself, the experience was focused instead on the thrills of the attraction’s height and speed rather than a theme.
Carowinds: Thunder Striker
At Carowinds, Intimidator will become Thunder Striker. The name comes with a new backstory that connects Thunder Striker to the story universe of Thunder Road, the park’s wooden roller coaster that closed in 2015.
Thunder Striker was built in the back of Earl’s Garage on Thunder Road. Master mechanics stripped down the old jalopy and scrounged up parts to create a souped-up engine that’s optimized for pure speed.
Now Thunder Striker is the champion of the dirt road racers. The fastest, meanest hot rod in two states. Lucky visitors to Earl’s might get to hop in the sleek, black-bodied roadster with signature lightning bolts painted on the hood. They’ll surely get the ride of a lifetime — a high-fuel, high-thrill spin through the Carolinas.
Carowinds
Kings Dominion: Project 305
At Kings Dominion, Intimidator 305 will take on a new identity. The park is currently referring to the changes as Project 305.
A certain roller coaster we all know and love — one of the tallest, fastest, and most thrilling on the east coast — is undergoing a transformation.
While the insane drops, twists, turns, and speed are the same, the experience is something you’ve never, ever seen. And definitely something you can’t unsee.
Details are coming. But in the meantime, brace yourself. This ain’t your mama’s 305.
Kings Dominion
Carowinds and Kings Dominion 2024 Seasons Begin Soon
The 2024 operating season at Carowinds begins March 9, 2024. Last year, the park opened Aeronautica Landing, a flight-themed land with five new rides. Carowinds announced its lineup of 2024 special events and teased future “growth” earlier this month.
Kings Dominion will follow on March 23, 2024. In 2022, the park debuted the Tumbili coaster, which suspends and flips riders along its twisted track.
Photo courtesy of Kings Dominion
Late last year, Cedar Fair, the parent company of Carowinds and Kings Dominion, announced a merger with Six Flags to be completed sometime in 2024.
Learn more about both parks and purchase tickets or season passes here for Carowinds and here for Kings Dominion.
